Sainsbury's own-brand potato salad has been crowned the best among four major UK supermarkets, scoring 9 out of 10 in a taste test that assessed flavour, potato-to-dressing ratio, and potato quality. The product, priced at £1.30 for 300g, was praised for its bold herb and onion flavours, which set it apart from Tesco, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer offerings.
Tesco's Potato Salad Falls Short
Tesco's potato salad, costing £1.25 for 300g, was the lowest scorer at 3 out of 10. The tester found it overwhelmed by a thin mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, with the advertised onions, chives, and lemon flavours undetectable. The potato pieces were described as small, soft, and 'resembling pebbles,' falling apart easily. The verdict: 'an overwhelmingly soggy affair with more dressing than potatoes.'
Waitrose Offers More Potatoes but Lacks Punch
Waitrose's version, also £1.30 for 300g, scored 5 out of 10. While it contained considerably more potato than Tesco's, the cubes were slightly undercooked and firm. The thick mayonnaise dressing had a delicate onion note but was too mild to deliver an engaging bite. The tester noted it was an improvement on Tesco but did not reach the standards of Sainsbury's and M&S.
Sainsbury's Delivers Bold Flavour
Sainsbury's potato salad earned 9 out of 10, the highest score. The dressing featured visible chives and onions that were 'distinctly noticeable,' delivering the boldest flavour among all four. The potato-to-mayo ratio was generous, preventing the dish from feeling overwhelmed by sauce. The tester concluded: 'If forced to pick which supermarket potato salad offered the best flavour, Sainsbury's would triumph every time.'
M&S Excels in Potato Quality
Marks & Spencer's Baby Potato Salad, priced at £2.80 for 300g, scored 8 out of 10. The tester praised its 'almost whipped' thick mayonnaise, which prevented a greasy mouthfeel. However, the sauce lacked the punch of Sainsbury's. M&S excelled in potato quality, offering generously sized chunks with skin on, cooked to perfection. Despite costing £1.50 more, the difference was 'genuinely noticeable.' The tester recommended M&S for a 'rich subtlety' but Sainsbury's for a 'bold burst of flavour.'
